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I. THE GREAT HARVEST REMAINS YET TO BE GATHERED IN. The purposes of grace have as yet received a very partial accomplishment. This is seen if we will consider —

1. God's gracious intentions as announced to us by the ancient seers.

2. The means which God has employed to fulfil His purposes. The incarnation, death, resurrection, and glorification of His Son, and the creation of a Church to proclaim these saving facts to the whole world. Nothing short of the salvation of mankind can indemnify the Redeemer and enable him to see the travail of his soul.

3. The preparatory processes.

(1) Before the Advent.

(a)  Among the Jews the progress of redemptive disclosures.

(b)  Among the Gentiles the progress of a civilization which should help to carry the Gospel to every creature.

(2) Since the advent.

(a)  In early Christian times.

(b)  Subsequent to the Reformation.

4. If such has been the length of time over which the preparations have extended, if such the grandeur of the means employed, if such the extent of the plan announced — what must be the harvest that is before us?

II. HAVE WE REASON TO HOPE THAT THE HARVEST IS NEAR? The expectation of seeing it burst on the world in full or hid splendour by stupendous miracle is not to be encouraged. There is no reason to expect it through any other agency than that which God has already employed. As for the signs, observe —

1. That the whole world has become accessible to the gospel to a degree altogether unprecedented.

2. The commanding and influential position of those portions of the globe, where Christianity exists in its purest and most active forms.

3. The general spread of knowledge and extension of education.

4. The success already achieved.

III. THE SENTIMENTS AND CONDUCT WITH WHICH THIS STATE OF THINGS SHOULD BE MET BY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

1. Attention.

2. Thankfulness, "Blessed are our eyes, for they see."

3. Zealous efforts.

4. Steady perseverance.

(B. Godwin.)

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KJV: Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

WEB: Don't you say, 'There are yet four months until the harvest?' Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already.